Former Rangers and England striker Trevor Francis has passed away aged 69.
The former Ibrox frontman became the first £1miilion transfer in British football when he moved from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest in 1979.
The ex-Birmingham striker, who scored Nottingham Forest’s winner in their 1979 European Cup final triumph, died in Spain from a heart attack, a spokesman for the family has confirmed.
Francis won 52 England caps and later guided Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham to major finals as a manager.
Francis was brought to Rangers by Graeme Souness before winning the 1987–88 Scottish League Cup.
A Rangers statement paid tribute to the former Ibrox striker: "All at Rangers Football Club are today saddened to hear of the passing of our former player Trevor Francis, at the age of 69.
"The forward, who was signed by Graeme Souness in 1987, made 25 appearances for the club.
"During his time in Glasgow, Francis lifted the League Cup in season 1987/88 scoring a penalty in the 5-3 shoot-out victory over Aberdeen.
"Starting his career at Birmingham City, Francis made history in 1979 as he became Britain’s first £1 million footballer when he moved to Nottingham Forest, and went on to score the winner for Forest in a historic European Cup Final against Malmo that year.
"The England international enjoyed an impressive career also featuring for Manchester City, Sampdoria, Atalanta, Queen’s Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday.
"Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."
